In an event Thursday at guard headquarters in Colchester, Brigadier Gen. Steven Cray said the impact of the cuts won't be felt immediately.

About 500 employees have been told they will be furloughed from their jobs the equivalent of about one day a week.

"A lot of us are looking at different options," said Capt. Dyana Allen, who is anticipating a pay cut beginning April 21. "I know some (colleagues) are looking to carpool, some are looking to team up on day care, things like that."

Cray was elected adjutant general by the Legislature last week. He's scheduled to take office on Friday, the same day the automatic budget cuts are due to be implemented.

Cray says budget uncertainty is the biggest challenge he will face when he assumes command of the 4,000 men and women of the Vermont Guard.

An Iranian military observation aircraft flew within 50 yards of an armed U.S. Navy helicopter over the Persian Gulf this month, sparking concern that top Iranian commanders might not be in full control of local forces, CNN has learned.